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5 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,F ebruary 21,2019 theifp.ca ment and Opposition members, the Speaker must refrain from making partisan public state- ments on issues which are before the House. It is also true that the Speaker pre- sides over the debates in the House, and by tradi- tion does not vote except in the event of a tie. Even then, the Speaker is expec- ted to vote according to the traditions of Parlia- ment. There are times when a Speaker must bite his or her tongue. But, is also true that a Speaker seeks to be an influential MPP, and exert that influence toward positive outcomes for his or her riding and the province. Question: Why does the Speaker have an apart- ment at Queen's Park? Answer: This a good question, and I've raised it too. Since the Speaker is re- sponsible for the legisla- tive building, including its staff, maintenance and se- curity, the Speaker has been always expected to take up residence in the building, and be available night and day when the House is in session. The day I was elected Speaker, they told me it was now "my house." I re- plied that I hoped I didn't have to pay the property taxes! The Speaker's apart- ment comes furnished, and it's similar in appear- ance to a nice hotel suite. The Speaker is expected to use the apartment to host visiting dignitaries. Question: How long is your "appointment" as Speaker? Answer: While some people may still believe the Speaker is "appointed" by the premier, this is not the case, and hasn't been so since 1987. To reiterate, the Speak- er is elected by a secret ballot vote in which all MPPs can participate. The premier has one vote, just like all the other MPPs. The Speaker's tenure is defined by the length of the Parliament, which ac- cording to the Canadian Constitution, can be up to five years. The current 42nd provincial parlia- ment exists until it's dis- solved and a new provin- cial election is called. The next election is expected to take place in 2022. Question: Does the Speaker get a government limousine and driver? Answer: While I was in- formed that the Speaker is entitled to a government car and driver, I have not asked for either. Provincial cabinet min- isters definitely need a government car and driv- er, and I can't speak for my predecessors as Speaker who may have needed a car and driver. However, I feel it's un- necessary for me to have a government car, and to have one would be a waste of taxpayers' money. I can drive myself to where I need to go, so hiring a driver is also unneces- sary. Once again, I want to thank everyone who has offered me their kind wishes as I've undertaken my new responsibilities. It is an honour to serve you at Queen's Park. As al- ways, we're here to help anyway we can on matters involving the provincial government. Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott can be reached at ted.arnott- co@pc.ola.org or by phon- ing 1-800-265-2366. Continued from page 4 SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT THEIFP.CA '<=24?@=%2>#@;:>#?5##0)/<+@9;$%@-@"9<@,1% !4@87*.3 '%#.-*"++&".-/!)(-,!+,*+/-+.+*$ 9)25825 -'7(5)03%,2.4 $63!!1"7 25(*30#%/6#&6#2+ LEATHERTOWN LUMBER Limited quantity on saLe items. WhiLe suppLies Last. www. .ca 264 Main St. N., Acton 519-853-1970 416-601-1259 spRinG is Just aRound the CoRneR! HOT BUY! $99.99 WAS: $179.99 $29.99 WAS: $52.99 $119.99 WAS: $169.99 1/2 hp deluxe sump pump Polypropylene and noryl construction. 1-1/2" NPT discharge with 1-1/4" reducer. Independent piggyback tether float switch. Thermal and overload protection. 1,000 GHP. 5312368 10-in. 60-tooth Carbide saw Blade Thin kerf for fast and smooth cutting action. 6564363 24-in. x 48-in. Wheelbarrow Cart Heavy gauge steel construction with reinforced sides that fold down or can be removed. 30" pull handle with comfort grip. 13" x 6" pneumatic tires. 1200 lbs. load capacity. 8952004 AS: $52.99 SALES SERVICE INSTALLATIONSESA #7003060 DEKEReLeCTRIC ltd. 905-702-0515 Visit our new website! www.dekerelectric.ca HEY! It's warm up here! Warm feet are HAPPY feet! Heat rises. A ceiling fan from DEKER will get it back down where it belongs UCHS at PetSmart Charities® National Adoption Weekend Join us at the PetSmart Charities National AdoptionWeekend in Georgetown. We will be on site with animals who are looking for new homes. "Adopt if you can, inspire others if you can't by posting a photo of an adoptable pet with #PicMe." Shelter 519.833.2287 Thrift Shop 905.702.8661 www.uppercredit.com info@uppercredit.com Charitable Registration #893738872RR0001 Adopt if you can, inspire others if you can a photo of an adoptable pet with #PicMe. Date: February 23 & 24, 2019 Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Location: PetSmart Georgetown (319 Guelph St.) or new homes.or new homes.or new homes.or new homes.or new homes.